HMS Pinafore
HMS Pinafore
The Gilbert & Sullivan opera company and the University of Chicago Department of Music returned to Mandel Hall in March with a production of HMS Pinafore, or The Lass that Loved a Sailor. One of the most popular of the G&S operettas, Pinafore offers unforgettable characters in a romantic satire of the British social class system. It pokes fun at patriotism, party politics, the Royal Navy, and the rise of unqualified persons to positions of authority. Musical highlights include: “I’m called Little Buttercup,” “We sail the ocean blue,” “When I was a lad,” and “I am the Monarch of the sea.”
Shane Valenzi, director
Matthew Sheppard, conductor
The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Chicago, IL
Lifan Deng, Carpenter’s mate
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Tuesdai B. Perry, director & choreographer
Meghan Kessel, music director
Big Noise Theatre, Des Plaines, IL
Lifan Deng, Simeon
"Sha la la, Joseph, you're doing fine! You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time!" One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is a reimagining of the story of Joseph, Israel's favorite son, and his coat of many colors.
The magical musical is full of catchy songs including "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door."
Last Day
Last Day
Genevieve Swanson, director & writer
Rhino Fest 2023, Chicago, IL
Lifan Deng, Richie
Loosely inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett, Last Day is a satirical take on climate nihilism. Consumerism and late stage capitalism has led the earth into landfill dystopia that is no longer inhabitable. The play focuses on Barbie and Richie who are trying their best to make their last day a happy one. Technology, shopping, and visits from the delivery boy can only do so much to distract from the grim reality that today is the last one.
Rat City: An Immersive Musical
Rat City: An Immersive Musical
Rat City: An Immersive Musical
Jeremy Brown, Maura Caruso, Warren Dailey, Shelby Deutsch, Elaine Golden, writers
Sabrina Odigie, director
Abigail Cline, music director
Redline VR, Chicago, IL
Lifan Deng, Ensemble & Banksy (u.s.)
Rat City is an immersive variety show, musical, and celebration of the rats of Chicago. When an unwelcome group of cats moves into the neighborhood and disrupts the celebration, the rats must decide whether to stay or leave. Attendees are requested to dress in their best rat formal attire. Awards will be given to outstanding individual rats and rat packs in attendance.
